a glance at

USAGE SUMMARY

"a glance at" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a quick, brief look at something. For example: "He gave the document a glance at before deciding to sign it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Lawrence threw a glance at Lucinda.

The New Yorker

A glance at St . Petersburgunderscores that.

The New York Times

A glance at the table shows why.

The Guardian - Sport

Here is a glance at some of them.

The New York Times

A glance at the clock, and my wife rises.

The New York Times

A glance at the numbers seems to support the idea.

Independent

But take a glance at next season's fixtures.

The Economist

A glance at candidates' Web sites underscores the point.

The New York Times

He declaimed it confidently, without a glance at the manuscript.

The New Yorker

But take a glance at the Spanish league standings.

The New York Times - Sports

A glance at economic history supports this overall thesis.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a glance at" to introduce a summary or quick observation before delving into more detail. This sets the expectation for a brief overview.

Common error

Avoid using "a glance at" when you intend to provide a comprehensive analysis. This phrase suggests a superficial look, so ensure it aligns with the actual depth of your exploration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a glance at" functions as an idiomatic expression used to introduce a brief examination or overview of something. It sets the stage for a summary or quick look, as shown by Ludwig's examples, which include phrases like "A glance at the table shows why." Ludwig confirms its status as acceptable English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a glance at" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a quick look or summary of something. It's grammatically correct and very common, especially in News & Media, as confirmed by Ludwig. While it's suitable for many contexts, remember that it implies brevity and may not be appropriate for detailed analyses. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples that highlight its usage in various scenarios, demonstrating its utility in setting the stage for concise overviews.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a quick look at

Replaces 'glance' with 'look', emphasizing the speed of observation.

a fast look at

Simple and direct substitution, focusing on speed.

a fleeting look at

Emphasizes the short duration of the observation.

a passing look at

Conveys that the observation was not deliberate or focused.

a brief overview of

Indicates a short summary or examination, shifting the focus from sight to understanding.

a short glimpse of

Highlights the brief and partial nature of the view.

a swift peek at

Uses 'peek' instead of 'glance', suggesting a secretive or quick look.

a cursory examination of

Highlights the lack of thoroughness in the inspection.

a short review of

Implies a concise assessment or critique, rather than a visual check.

a thumbnail sketch of

Implies a very brief and general description or overview.

FAQs

How can I use "a glance at" in a sentence?

You can use "a glance at" to introduce a quick look or summary. For example, "A glance at the data reveals a significant increase in sales."

What are some alternatives to "a glance at"?

Alternatives include "a quick look at", "a brief overview of", or "a cursory examination of", depending on the context.

Is "a glance at" formal or informal?

"A glance at" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives exist for academic or professional writing.

What does "a glance at" imply about the analysis?

"A glance at" suggests a brief and superficial examination, rather than a deep or thorough analysis. Choose this phrase when you want to convey a quick overview.